Functional Neurology
What is Functional Neurology?
Functional Neurology is not a specific treatment protocol or technique. Instead, a doctor trained in Functional Neurology takes research about how the brain works, and applies evidence-based neurological techniques and therapies to restore normal function between neural networks, in addition to balancing brain and sensory pathways.
How Does Functional Neurology Differ From Traditional Medical Neurology?
Medical neurology is primarily focused on conditions that display signs of pathology on imaging procedures such as MRI, CT scans, or blood tests. Often, neurologic disorders of this kind require surgery or medication as the primary source of treatment. Functional Neurology, however, looks to evaluate the nervous system and detect and treat non-surgical problems. Once detected, a trained doctor of Functional Neurology will use evidence-based techniques and therapies to restore normal function between neural networks, in addition to balancing brain and sensory pathways.
Common functional neurology therapies include:
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Eye movement exercises
Hand-Eye Coordination Drills
Movement Training
Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Non-Invasive Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation
Low Level Laser Therapy
Brain Based Spinal and Extremity Adjustments
How Does a Doctor of Functional Neurology Evaluate a Patient?
A doctor trained in Functional Neurology will look to evaluate five main areas of a patient to determine if they have a functional neurological disorder; (1) Eye movements, (2) The Vestibular System, (3) proprioception, (4) cranial nerves, and (5) primitive reflexes.
How Long Does a Functional Neurological Treatment Last?
At Summit Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we believe that each patient presents with their own unique conditions and neurological deficiencies. For example, even if two patients presented with diagnoses of Parkinson’s Disease, each patient could potentially present with varying degrees of symptomatology, as well as progression. As a result, each patient would need to be treated accordingly. For this reason, each patient at our office receives a customized treatment protocol specific to their needs. Treatments will not only vary from patient to patient could also vary from day to day depending on the neurological response of the patient on a given day. Therefore, Functional Neurological Treatment Sessions can vary from 10 minutes to 1 hour and consists of a treatment frequency ranging from 1 day a week to 4 days a week for up to 4 weeks.
